Would it help to irrigate your sinuses?

[EnergyGal]

I know for my transplant, I had to have sinus surgery to make windows for the mucus to drain out so I could get it out if necessary rather that it traveling down to my new lungs where I could get pneumonia from the cF germs. I only had to have one surgery.

Irrigating is so easy and keeps your sinuses clean. I know many post transplant patients who do this everyday.

The cF lungs are always congested and producing mucus and so does the sinuses. Do your Doctors tell you to irrigate too? I cannot see how this can hurt anyone with CF lungs. I would think it would definitely help and for those who have milder cases probably help to keep their lungs in good shape.

I use 0.9% sterile Saline and a luer lock syringe without a needle. I take flonase daily and try and irrigate twice daily.

Just wondering how this would help you all
Risa

 

[EnergyGal]

I know for my transplant, I had to have sinus surgery to make windows for the mucus to drain out so I could get it out if necessary rather that it traveling down to my new lungs where I could get pneumonia from the cF germs. I only had to have one surgery.

Irrigating is so easy and keeps your sinuses clean. I know many post transplant patients who do this everyday.

The cF lungs are always congested and producing mucus and so does the sinuses. Do your Doctors tell you to irrigate too? I cannot see how this can hurt anyone with CF lungs. I would think it would definitely help and for those who have milder cases probably help to keep their lungs in good shape.

I use 0.9% sterile Saline and a luer lock syringe without a needle. I take flonase daily and try and irrigate twice daily.

Just wondering how this would help you all
Risa

 

[coltsfan715]

Hey there,
One of my docs recommended I try this, but the other said to be careful. He said something along the lines of adding water/moisture into an area with bacteria already can increase bacteria growth if you aren't careful. He said the bacteria like moist places and can thrive in those conditions.
I haven't tried it personally - I have nasacort that I use two puffs twice a day though.

I'd be interested to hear if others do this. I am sure it is probably a doc to doc thing - ya know varying opinions - as to whether they recommend it or not.

Lindsey

 

[coltsfan715]

Hey there,
One of my docs recommended I try this, but the other said to be careful. He said something along the lines of adding water/moisture into an area with bacteria already can increase bacteria growth if you aren't careful. He said the bacteria like moist places and can thrive in those conditions.
I haven't tried it personally - I have nasacort that I use two puffs twice a day though.

I'd be interested to hear if others do this. I am sure it is probably a doc to doc thing - ya know varying opinions - as to whether they recommend it or not.

Lindsey

 

[anonymous]

We were told to do this, too, for our ds. (5 at the time, 1 year post op from first sinus surgery, now almost 8.) We were told to use sterile water in a clean mason jar. 1 qt sterile water, 2 tsps salt (non-iodine type, not table salt - iodine irritates the nose.), 1 tsp of baking soda (red label-arm & hammer). Mix thoroughly, use half in the am/half in the pm. Pour the 1/2 you're using into a bowl and use a nasal aspirator (baby bulb syringe) to irrigate the sinuses. I've also heard that some people use sea salt instead of regular salt. Anyone try this??? It would be more expensive but I've been told it's much more effective. Someone also once told me they use xylitol, too, for antimicrobial properties??? Anyone try that???

I was told the water irrigates (flushes basically), the baking soda cleanses (like soap), and the salt acts as a diuretic pulling moisture out of the tissue to shrink swelling/inflammation.

 

[anonymous]

We were told to do this, too, for our ds. (5 at the time, 1 year post op from first sinus surgery, now almost 8.) We were told to use sterile water in a clean mason jar. 1 qt sterile water, 2 tsps salt (non-iodine type, not table salt - iodine irritates the nose.), 1 tsp of baking soda (red label-arm & hammer). Mix thoroughly, use half in the am/half in the pm. Pour the 1/2 you're using into a bowl and use a nasal aspirator (baby bulb syringe) to irrigate the sinuses. I've also heard that some people use sea salt instead of regular salt. Anyone try this??? It would be more expensive but I've been told it's much more effective. Someone also once told me they use xylitol, too, for antimicrobial properties??? Anyone try that???

I was told the water irrigates (flushes basically), the baking soda cleanses (like soap), and the salt acts as a diuretic pulling moisture out of the tissue to shrink swelling/inflammation.

 

[gsplover]

I do it. I have had 3 sinus surgeries and irrigation is the only was to prevent me from getting constant bloody noses. My doc has the pharmacy mix the saline with bactraban ointment. It helps reduce the amount of sinus infection I get.

 

[gsplover]

I do it. I have had 3 sinus surgeries and irrigation is the only was to prevent me from getting constant bloody noses. My doc has the pharmacy mix the saline with bactraban ointment. It helps reduce the amount of sinus infection I get.

 

[thelizardqueen]

I asked about nose sprays - like salt water, etc, and he said that this may irritate my nose, and that I should be very careful with what I use. As a rule of thumb, I don't use anything at all, as the only time I have sinus troubles is when I'm sick with a head cold.

 

[thelizardqueen]

I asked about nose sprays - like salt water, etc, and he said that this may irritate my nose, and that I should be very careful with what I use. As a rule of thumb, I don't use anything at all, as the only time I have sinus troubles is when I'm sick with a head cold.

 

[anonymous]

I was told by one ent doc that it is possible because of the moisture could be a problem but for me, If I do not irrigate I would have more of a problem having the mucus up there. I would only go to a ENT who see's CF patients.

I posted this idea because if you can eliminate some of the bacteria in your sinuses then perhaps there will be less chance of infecting your lungs. I have found that I cannot feel the mucus in my sinuses unless it has worked its way down into my septum. I have to actually go through some routines to get it out. I hear that healthy people who irrigate their sinsuses get less colds. My husband does what I do and he is always healthy. Of course no cf for him. He has allergies and also takes flonase.

I also feel that since I am taking a nasal steroid (flonase) it is wise to irrigate as it is good to clean out the sinuses from not allowing any fungus to grow. This is just my thought as it is possible to get thrush taking flovent or advair. Good to flush I mean the sinsues lol

Risa

 

[anonymous]

I was told by one ent doc that it is possible because of the moisture could be a problem but for me, If I do not irrigate I would have more of a problem having the mucus up there. I would only go to a ENT who see's CF patients.

I posted this idea because if you can eliminate some of the bacteria in your sinuses then perhaps there will be less chance of infecting your lungs. I have found that I cannot feel the mucus in my sinuses unless it has worked its way down into my septum. I have to actually go through some routines to get it out. I hear that healthy people who irrigate their sinsuses get less colds. My husband does what I do and he is always healthy. Of course no cf for him. He has allergies and also takes flonase.

I also feel that since I am taking a nasal steroid (flonase) it is wise to irrigate as it is good to clean out the sinuses from not allowing any fungus to grow. This is just my thought as it is possible to get thrush taking flovent or advair. Good to flush I mean the sinsues lol

Risa

 

[Diane]

I use "ocean" saline nasal spray, once a day or a few times a day. If i have a stuffy nose i use it a few times a day, if not then just once.

 

[Diane]

I use "ocean" saline nasal spray, once a day or a few times a day. If i have a stuffy nose i use it a few times a day, if not then just once.

 

[HollyCatheryn]

I have found THE BEST way to irrigate!!! After years of trying to keep things fluid and draining and about 20 sinus surgeries! I wish I had known about this when I was 11 - it would have made a huge difference. My family practitioner suggested it.It is a Neti Pot. My Neti Pot looks like a little ceramic watering can (but, some look like little Aladdin lamps). I use a similar saline recipe to the one listed above: 8 oz. water boiled (you usually have to start with a little more than 8 oz. since some steams off), 1/4 tsp non-iodized salt (iodized and sea salt can be too irritating), tiny pinch of baking soda. I add 5-6 drops of Grapefruit Seed Extract. Some really good clinical studies have shown GSE to be effective in fighting all sorts of microbes. You fill the Neti Pot with your saline mixture, put the spout in one nostril and tilt your head forward and to the side until the solution flows freely through your sinuses and out the other nostril. When you're done rinsing, blow your nose very gently without holding either nostril closed. You want to do the rinsing over a sink, basin or tub. You can do one side or both in a session. I usually just do one side per session, but I alternate which one (right or left). A couple of reasons this works better than spraying Ocean saline or doing the rinses where you spit it out of your mouth...#1 The solution flows only through your sinuses and bypasses any downward flow. This means that you run less risk of washing whatever is in your sinuses down into your lungs.#2 If you do it right, you can keep breathing freely while you rinse#3 You don't just put moisture into your sinuses, you get enough flow going so that you actually wash the gunk out. I mean this literally. Watch the sink as you rinse and see all the stuff that comes out. Sometimes it will just be lots of clear mucus. Other times (for me) I have washed out tremendous green crusts and green and yellow pellets. I have stopped having sinus headaches since I started this and am able to clear my head when I blow my nose. I was able to buy my Neti Pot at a Whole Foods market.

 

[HollyCatheryn]

I have found THE BEST way to irrigate!!! After years of trying to keep things fluid and draining and about 20 sinus surgeries! I wish I had known about this when I was 11 - it would have made a huge difference. My family practitioner suggested it.It is a Neti Pot. My Neti Pot looks like a little ceramic watering can (but, some look like little Aladdin lamps). I use a similar saline recipe to the one listed above: 8 oz. water boiled (you usually have to start with a little more than 8 oz. since some steams off), 1/4 tsp non-iodized salt (iodized and sea salt can be too irritating), tiny pinch of baking soda. I add 5-6 drops of Grapefruit Seed Extract. Some really good clinical studies have shown GSE to be effective in fighting all sorts of microbes. You fill the Neti Pot with your saline mixture, put the spout in one nostril and tilt your head forward and to the side until the solution flows freely through your sinuses and out the other nostril. When you're done rinsing, blow your nose very gently without holding either nostril closed. You want to do the rinsing over a sink, basin or tub. You can do one side or both in a session. I usually just do one side per session, but I alternate which one (right or left). A couple of reasons this works better than spraying Ocean saline or doing the rinses where you spit it out of your mouth...#1 The solution flows only through your sinuses and bypasses any downward flow. This means that you run less risk of washing whatever is in your sinuses down into your lungs.#2 If you do it right, you can keep breathing freely while you rinse#3 You don't just put moisture into your sinuses, you get enough flow going so that you actually wash the gunk out. I mean this literally. Watch the sink as you rinse and see all the stuff that comes out. Sometimes it will just be lots of clear mucus. Other times (for me) I have washed out tremendous green crusts and green and yellow pellets. I have stopped having sinus headaches since I started this and am able to clear my head when I blow my nose. I was able to buy my Neti Pot at a Whole Foods market.

 

[anonymous]

Sounds wonderful. I love my method but instead of letting it run I fill up my nostrils and let it drain out too and make sure I get all the solution out. Very similar concept but mine there is no cleaning, I just toss out the syringe each time i use it. GSE sounds good but I would be afraid to take it as this interferes with my drugs and if a little stays up and gets into my blood stream by some strange way my drugs levels will be altered. I use to use coloidial silver to irrigate with many fine years ago. That is wonderful that you are staying clean and I believe this will keep your lung bugs at bay. Just a thought
Risa

 

[anonymous]

Sounds wonderful. I love my method but instead of letting it run I fill up my nostrils and let it drain out too and make sure I get all the solution out. Very similar concept but mine there is no cleaning, I just toss out the syringe each time i use it. GSE sounds good but I would be afraid to take it as this interferes with my drugs and if a little stays up and gets into my blood stream by some strange way my drugs levels will be altered. I use to use coloidial silver to irrigate with many fine years ago. That is wonderful that you are staying clean and I believe this will keep your lung bugs at bay. Just a thought
Risa

 

[anonymous]

HollyCatheryn, what exact kind of Neti Pot do you use, where did you buy it, and how do you sterilize it?

I 've been using a bulb syringe to flush my sinuses for several years, but my really good ENT doesn't like them because they're hard to sterilize. He wants me to use either the NeilMed bottles or disposable large syringes, but I don't really like either of them. Before I get try Neti Pot, I want to know which one to get and how you make sure yours stays clean.
Thanks-
Claire 30w/cf

 

[anonymous]

HollyCatheryn, what exact kind of Neti Pot do you use, where did you buy it, and how do you sterilize it?

I 've been using a bulb syringe to flush my sinuses for several years, but my really good ENT doesn't like them because they're hard to sterilize. He wants me to use either the NeilMed bottles or disposable large syringes, but I don't really like either of them. Before I get try Neti Pot, I want to know which one to get and how you make sure yours stays clean.
Thanks-
Claire 30w/cf